1999 Honda Accord Type R - Far and Few Between

The Type R gets larger brakes all around, and despite the soft pedal feel in our high-miler, they never have any problem slowing the car from sonic freeway speeds. Honda employs both ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution, or EBD, and both function seamlessly.

The H22A massaged for Type R duty receives a bump in compression, balanced and lightened internals, and revised ports and valves to produce outstanding numbers. It's the VTEC engine we always hoped for, one that produces both ample torque and searing horsepower. Of the impressive total 159 lb-ft of torque, 140 is available from just 2000 rpm. Unlike most VTEC engines where you have time to pick both nostrils waiting for the VTEC changeover, the H22A delights off cam, and then surprises at 6000 rpm with 209 horses delivered until the 8000 rpm fuel cutoff. Honda claims a 141 mph top speed.

Realizing Type R buyers would be more concerned with performance than fuel economy, Honda put together a gearbox with beefed up synchros and gear ratios between 10 and 17 percent shorter. Despite extra cost over a clutch-type limited-slip differential, a helical mechanical unit is installed because it's both lighter and faster acting. Yep, if you have a swapped H22, you want this gearbox.

Honda has historically done a fine job with the aesthetic additions to its Type R models, and this holds true for the Accord. Subtle changes include a new front spoiler, mesh front grille, door sill garnish, requisite red "Type R" badges and rear wing. Our car didn't have the no-cost optional large rear spoiler. Factory HIDs, which cut a wide, bright path through the night, commensurate with this car's serious twisty conquering talents.

Despite the car's pleasant but conservative exterior, there's no question as to the car's ultimate purpose when you slip into the driver's seat. The front Recaros are simply some of the best factory car furniture we've ever experienced. Caressed, supported and bolstered on all sides, it doesn't get any better, even with thousands spent on aftermarket seats. A suitably sporty Momo leather air bag-equipped steering wheel is in front of white-faced gauges. The titanium shift knob sits atop a shifter with a 17 percent shorter throw.

There's a very short list of four-door sedans in the world that deliver this much uncompromised driving pleasure. There's a Type R of the next generation Accord in the pipeline for Europe and Japan, though there's no word yet when it will appear. We guess it will sport the 2.4 i-VTEC engine producing at least 220 hp. Yes, add the extremely competent and livable Accord Type R to the long list of great cars U.S. drivers don't and won't get. Official word from Honda is that there will be a "shift towards performance" for the Accord line, but don't hold your breath for anything with a red valve cover.